Border Town.
Inside the low houses all around, countless terrified eyes peered through the windows.
Kou Island instruments that sounded like funeral music made people's scalps crawl.
The procession crossed the entire town, with brazen laughter ringing out from time to time.
"Bastards, these Dragon Kingdom people are such cowards."
"Good, this is how it should be. Dragon Kingdom men have no backbone. They deserve to be ruled by us."
"Hahaha, once we drive the Dragon-Slaying Nail into the Dragon Kingdom's Dragon Vein, the Asia Region will be ours."
"Hehe, I can hardly bear to leave the Dragon Kingdom."
"We must avenge our compatriots killed by Chun Prefecture."
"Weep, people of the Dragon Kingdom. Haha!"
Unrestrained Kou Island speech echoed through the streets.
Yet none of the civilians on either side dared speak up to stop them.
"Lord Ishio, we're almost at our destination."
The priest raised his head slightly, revealing his displeasure.
An old man in a suit, wearing a fawning expression, jogged up to him with two youths and sought credit. "I've already had the vertical shaft dug in advance, as you requested."
"Excellent, Lord Yuan. The Empire will not forget your contribution." The priest's hood hid his expression, but his tone was cold. "Once this is done... you can immigrate to the Federation."
"Yes!" Old Man Yuan excitedly stood at attention and bowed respectfully.
"Hehe, once the ritual is over... sacrifice the entire Yuan family. We have no need for these traitorous dogs."
After the Yuan family father and sons left, the priest quietly instructed the people beside him in Kou Island's language, "Remember to keep the women to reward the warriors of Greater Kou Island."
"Hehehe."
They returned to the rear of the procession.
The Yuan family father and sons wore different expressions.
His two